What would be a grand final week without some injury drama to dominate the headlines?
Going into this week's big decider, both South Sydney and Penrith will be sweating on the fitness of some big names.
For the Panthers, most of the concerns centre around their forwards, with Tevita Pangai Junior and James Fisher-Harris picking up knee injuries in the preliminary final win over Melbourne, and Moses Leota being ruled out of that match with a calf issue.
There will be particular focus on Pangai Junior, who has been sent for scans to detect potential ligament damage, with the powerful middle forward playing just 16 minutes against the Storm.
Fisher-Harris and Leota's injury issues have been deemed less serious, although could hinder the pair's ability to fully prepare for the do-or-die clash against Souths.
Should either be ruled out, Spencer Leniu will be on standby and most likely brought into the starting line-up as he was for the weekend's preliminary final.
Jarome Luai also copped a nasty head knock against Melbourne, but passed his HIA and was able to return in the second-half to successfully steer his side to victory.
For the Rabbitohs, the only major concern revolves around captain and halfback Adam Reynolds.
The veteran number seven, who will play in his last ever game for the Rabbitohs before an impending move to the Broncos, was close to being ruled out of Friday's preliminary final win over Manly with an adductor issue.
Reynolds was forced to undergo a fitness test before kick-off in that match, and was noticeably hindered by the injury problem, palming off goalkicking duties to rookie Blake Taaffe.
Given his history with leg injuries, there will undoubtedly be attention on Reynolds' fitness, however Wayne Bennett is confident his experienced halfback will be fit.
"He's got nine days of recovery. He will be fine," the Rabbitohs coach said after the 36-16 win over the Sea Eagles.
Here is each side's most likely team for the 2021 NRL grand final.
2021 NRL GRAND FINAL PREDICTED TEAMS
7:30pm (AEST) Sunday, October 3rd, Suncorp Stadium
PENRITH PANTHERS PREDICTED TEAM
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Stephen Crichton
3. Paul Momirovski
4. Matt Burton
5. Brian To'o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Api Koroisau
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Tyrone May
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Tevita Pangai Junior
17. Liam Martin
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS PREDICTED TEAM
1. Blake Taaffe
2. Alex Johnston
3. Dane Gagai
4. Campbell Graham
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Cody Walker
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Mark Nicholls
9. Damien Cook
10. Tevita Tatola
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jaydn Su'a
13. Cameron Murray
14. Benji Marshall
15. Jacob Host
16. Tom Burgess
17. Jai Arrow
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